Mahalaya today

The Hindus will observe today the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of "Debi Pakshya".

The festival of Durga Puja or Navratri begins with Mahalaya, marking goddess Durga's advent in her battle against evil. Devotees pray for the deity's invocation on earth and for her blessings to curb the evil rakshasa Mahishasur. It is celebrated on the dark night of Amavasya (new moon), when devotees pray to the Goddess Durga for her arrival on earth. Devotees will celebrate Mahalaya in the early morning.